Mian Altaf welcomes Zojila Tunnel breakthrough, seeks job preference for local youth

Srinagar, Jun 11: National Conference Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad welcomed the breakthrough achieved in the strategically significant Zojila Tunnel project, describing it as a major milestone towards ensuring all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In a statement, Mian Altaf congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on the landmark achievement, saying the breakthrough had brought the region closer to realising its long-cherished dream of year-round road connectivity.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have long been demanding all-weather connectivity. The successful breakthrough in the Zojila Tunnel project marks a significant step towards fulfilling that aspiration,” he said.
The MP said the completion of the Z-Morh Tunnel and the progress on the Zojila Tunnel would not only improve connectivity but also accelerate the social and economic development of the region.

He, however, urged the agencies executing the project to provide employment opportunities to local youth, particularly those from Ganderbal district and the Kangan constituency, where the project is being implemented.
“People in these areas are largely dependent on tourism and related activities for their livelihood. The construction companies involved in the project should ensure that local unemployed youth, especially skilled and technically qualified candidates, are given preference in recruitment and engagement,” Mian Altaf said.

He emphasised that large infrastructure projects should directly benefit the local population by generating employment and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

The parliamentarian further revealed that he had already taken up the issue with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging the Centre to ensure adequate employment opportunities for local youth in the Zojila Tunnel project.
Mian Altaf reiterated that alongside improving connectivity, the project should contribute to the economic empowerment of communities residing in the project area and help address unemployment among local youth.